DVD Shrink

Pros

• Free software
• Very easy to master
• Incorporates DVD authoring functionality
• Extremely fast
• Preview video player is built in

Cons

• Outdated looks
• Basic authoring functions
• Seldom updated

When multimedia files won't fit on a DVD, a tiny utility known as DVD-Shrink resolves the issue. The software is designed to reduce the size of media files and unclutter the proprietary structure used in DVDs. It does so by compressing data, removing user-selected media tracks, and intelligently analyzing those files so that they fit on a standard single-layer DVD. Straightforward to operate and easy to master, many computer users have come to respect this powerful application due to its reliable media compression features.

DVD-Shrink excels as a data compression tool, but its features are targeted at a select audience. The built-in "shrinking" algorithm is designed to reduce the digital footprint associated with media discs. For example, if multimedia has been ripped from a physical medium, perhaps to a hard drive, it's likely the user will want to copy that media to a new disk. As a backup solution, this task would normally be relatively painless, but not all DVD media is created equally. Some discs, for instance, are not equipped with enough capacity to contain the raw data held by other brands. Dual layer and double-sided discs solve this capacity problem, but DVD-Shrink provides a superior method, just by reducing the media size until the processed output will fit on a standard recordable DVD+R or DVD-R.

The primary purpose of the small software package has become clear, but there are more features to cover. DVD-Shrink readily connects to popular DVD burning utilities, so the program will quickly start the burning process once the data reduction stage is finished. The application also incorporates a powerful authoring and analyzing module, which means unwanted extras can be cut from the final output file. Imagine using this latter processing tool to entirely cut out foreign language soundtracks, commentaries, and other extras. The idea behind this function is to place complete DVD authoring control in the hands of the user. Consequently, the image quality of the media will improve because less compression is required. In effect, removed media tracks provide more space for the main media file.

There are many tools that function similarly, but none of them has garnered as much support as this media reducing utility. DVD-Shrink is small, easy to install, and easier to operate. It uses an intuitive series of panels. Along the top, commonly accessed functions include the Backup button, a control that begins the file reduction and burn process. The window on the right contains a concise list of compression-related information while the leftmost panel displays the various media tracks on the DVD. Below these panels, a preview window shows the progress of the currently queued project. Just be sure to pop in a recordable DVD before hitting the Backup button.

Pros

• Free software
• Very easy to master
• Incorporates DVD authoring functionality
• Extremely fast
• Preview video player is built in

Cons

• Outdated looks
• Basic authoring functions
• Seldom updated